Gem History: Lapis, Mustard Jasper, Tiger Eye & Spiny Oyster

Written by Diane Rein

Natural Gemstones are a sure way to bring sensational color, beauty and radiance to your unique jewelry designs. A natural gem offers a level a sophistication that no other stone can. Wonderfully shaped, polished and colored, these gems are perfect for creating fine jewelry. Discover the story behind the gem.

Lapis Lazuli is a bright blue metamorphic rock consisting largely of lazurite. Its name comes from the Persian word ‘Lazur’ meaning ‘blue stone’. Lapis Lazuli is an ancient gem, and as such, has a storied history. Egyptian cultures made a practice of burying a Lapis Lazuli scarab with their dead, and believed it to offer protection. The very earliest cultures valued Lapis Lazuli more highly than gold.

Lapis lazuli is regarded by many people around the world as the stone of friendship and truth. The blue stone is said to encourage harmony in relationships and help its wearer to be authentic and give his or her opinion openly.

Mustard Jasper is somewhat uncommon as it is currently mined only in Indonesia from the top of an active volcano, making it a special find! It often is black or gray on the outer layers progressing to a rich mustard yellow on its inner layers.

Mustard Jasper, when refined, features beautiful and bright yellow colors with bands of white and silver. Mustard Jasper, like all Jaspers, is a supportive stone that has grounding and balancing energy, which helps one to maintain a realistic attitude during any personal evolution. In general, Jasper is known as the “supreme nurturer”. It sustains and supports during times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness. Used in healing, Jasper unifies all aspects of your life.

All Tiger Eye crystals are stones of protection and were traditionally carried to protect against curses and ill wishes. Tiger Eye is said to promote a positive attitude and to increase feelings of self-worth. It is believed to help you to discover, and have confidence in, your own abilities, helping to enhance your personal power and self-confidence. Tiger Eye is also said to bring good luck and prosperity.

Red Tiger Eye, as seen here, features brilliant deep red hues along with stunning patterns. Red Tiger Eye is a stimulating stone that is said to increase motivation and to help overcome lethargy.

Cool Tools also carries Yellow Tiger Eye, a golden-brown stone with a silky luster, as well as Blue Tiger Eye, a very calming crystal that it is said to release stress to soothe anxiety and to help cool a quick temper. Tiger Eye is most commonly found in South Africa and East Asia.

Spiny Oyster Shell, scientifically called Spondylus, has been used in Native American jewelry for centuries.

Spondylus is Latin, for spines on its back, which says it all. The shells, which are covered with intimidating spines, come in an array of bright colors ranging from purple to orange, red and yellow. Spiny oyster shells were carved and traded far and wide from as early as 10,000 years ago.

Spiny oyster shells are found in the Gulf of California, the Pacific coast, and to the south in the warm waters of South America. It is very difficult to harvest and polish and is much sought after by collectors.